Jalan Branford has the unique ability to remain calm in big games, but he sure gave Reading High basketball fans something to get excited about Wednesday night.

The junior guard pumped in his first five shots and scored 14 first-quarter points as the Red Knights streaked past West Chester Rustin 73-42 in the championship game of the Reading Holiday Tournament.

Branford finished with a game-high 21 points and was named tournament MVP, helping the Red Knights (5-4) to their fourth straight victory.

He was joined on the all-tournament team by teammates Kyle Lane and Meme Burdine.

Branford's sharpshooting helped the Knights to an overwhelming 16-1 lead but it did little to change the stoic look on his face.

"In the beginning of the game I'm not really that excited," he said. "I've learned through the two years being up here. These games become easier."

Branford is Reading's only experienced player. He found himself in the starting lineup of the District 3-AAAA title game as a freshman.

That's been key for a Reading team that's more green than red.

"He just understands the importance of big-time basketball," said Reading coach Rick Perez. "He's been on the floor so much. He just knows: It's time."

Branford wasted little time pushing the Knights to a commanding lead, scoring 11 points in an early 14-0 run.

He knocked down three treys and added a three-point play in the first seven minutes.

"I know what it is to be in your first championship game and have the jitters," Branford said. "I told my teammates: There's nothing to be scared of, this is our house, just play our game and we'll come out with a 'W.' "

The third-highest scoring output of his career came one night after Branford went scoreless.

He was limited by back spasms against University City but showed no ill effects against Rustin.

He hit 8-of-13 shots overall, had four assists and five rebounds.

"It was the championship, so I pushed through it," Branford said of his back pain. "My teammates needed me, so I felt like I had to play.

"I tried not to think about it, just keep playing. I was getting easy shots, getting good screens, we were moving the ball and I was getting open."

The Red Knights didn't win simply because of Branford's shooting, but because of their intense defensive play and strong rebounding.

Despite a starting lineup with just one player over 6-1, Reading outrebounded Rustin 41-29.

The Knights also forced Rustin into a painfully cold shooting night: The Golden Knights (3-3) didn't make a field goal for the first 51/2 minutes, shot just 3-of-17 in the first half and shot less than 19 percent for the night. They were completely screened off the offensive boards and didn't get a second shot until the third quarter.

"They really just seized the moment," said Perez. "They looked very mature out there."

Reading was especially effective shutting down Rustin's 6-6 Anthony Nash. He was named to the all-tournament team but more because of his big opening night game than for his 2-of-13 shooting against Reading.

"It was that collective effort," Perez said of the effort on Nash. "Everybody's job was to shut him down, and they took pride in that."